Korere (feeding funnel)

Korere are believed to be feeding funnels used primarily to pass mulched or pureed food to men of rank whose mouths were swollen from the ta moko (Māori customary tattooing) operation when applied to the mouth area. Or korere may have been used more generally to pass food and liquids to men of high rank, or tohunga (experts) under tapu (sacred) restrictions. Korere are thought to originate from the Hokianga-Northland region and generally attributed to the Ngāpuhi tribes.

Ta moko
Customary ta moko applied to the face is more accurately a form of scarification. The process involves gouging and channelling the recipient's skin using whao (small chisels), followed by the application of dark (blue/black) coloured pigments.